HD Kumaraswamy draws Sandalwood's ire

Award-winning Kannada directors and producers took strong exception to former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy’s statement that there is a syndicate which makes films only for awards.
“Even if the state and central governments stop giving awards, I’ll still make films,’’ said P Sheshadri, director of the Kannada movie December 1.
On Sunday, Kumaraswamy accused Sheshadri of twisting facts in the movie which focuses on village stays by CMs.He said Sheshadri belongs to a syndicate which makes films only for awards.
Sheshadri said the films for central awards are selected by a panel of experienced people. “There are 20 persons from different states and languages. Is it easy to influence them for awards?’’ asked Sheshadri, who has won the national award 8 times.
Producer Basanth Kumar Patil, who has won 22 national and state film awards, said, ``During Kumaraswamy’s tenure as CM, I received a top award for my movie. Did I have a syndicate and influence the members for the award?’’
Director B Suresha, winner of the national award for Gubbachigalu and Puttakkana Highway, said “As CM, Kumaraswamy has given awards to many people. I don’t think he’s aware how films are selected for awards.”
Director Girish Kasaravalli felt Kkumaraswamy should have seen the movie before making such a statement. “If there is a syndicate, do you think the Hindi film industry would have kept quiet? Bollywood has more power and influence than the Kannada film industry. It’s difficult to influence the jury and get awards.”